Educational Media Reviews Online

Bipolar disorder is experienced differently among every individual that is diagnosed with it. The commonality between them is the term “extremes.” There are rapid shifts of mood and attitudes. Usually hyperactivity or anxieties are triggers for depression. Staying active and busy is considered to be a solution for patients to try and move past this disorder. The message of staying on one’s medication is important for functioning and this is emphasized in the program. For the patients in this documentary, treatment was with medication, and/or individual counseling. Holistic programs such as support groups are useful as well.

This program is suitable for adult viewers without previous knowledge of the disorder, as the program clearly explains the illness and also includes a pamphlet.

The DVD also has special features of scene selection and case studies of four different people profiled in this program. Information includes when they each had their first bipolar episodes, what triggered the episode, what happened, and what type of bipolar they all have.

One problem in the film is the very specific study and focus on a small percentage of bipolar patients. There is only the mention of one specific type of medication, and the patients are all predominantly Caucasian.

Technically this is an informative and well organized program. Libraries considering purchasing this program will find it most appropriate as introductory material for the general public or college student.